Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, if she will make an assessment of the potential impact of expanding rail freight in Devon on the environment.

The Government is committed to supporting rail freight growth, recognising its significant economic and environmental potential and critical role in the UK’s resilience.

Work to develop options for investment and its potential impacts, including on the environment, is continuing, in conjunction with Network Rail. Once it is fully operational, my department will work with Great British Railways (GBR) to ensure that environmental considerations continue to be a priority.